Discos Qualiton

Discos Qualiton
Company type	Independent record label
Industry	Music recording and production
Predecessor	Fondo Cultural
Founded	1961
Founder	Nelson Montes-Bradley, Ivan Cosentino
Defunct	1978
Fate	Ceased activities due to political repression
Headquarters	Buenos Aires (originally Rosario), Argentina
Area served	Argentina, Latin America
Key people	Ivan Cosentino (artistic director until 1977), Nelson Montes-Bradley (publishing, production, marketing), Nora Raffo, Carlos Melero, Curt von Simpson, Gertrudis Moser
Products	Vinyl records (classical, baroque, colonial Latin American music, ethnographic recordings, literary audio projects, protest music, folk music)
Number of employees	Not specified
Parent	Fonema S.A.

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Discos Qualiton, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025

Discos Qualiton was a record label launched by the recording company Fonema S.A. Originating as a modest project in a Rosario garage in 1961, it eventually became a prominent independent label that significantly influenced artists, writers, musicians, poets, and filmmakers.

Early days

Nelson Montes-Bradley and Ivan Cosentino initially produced vinyl records in Argentina under the name Fondo Cultural, which was headquartered in Rosario but legally registered in Buenos Aires. Fondo Cultural later transformed into Qualiton, establishing connections with Hungary’s state-owned label during the Communist period.

The inaugural release from Qualiton in 1961 featured Joaquín Rodrigo’s "Cantares de los pajes de la nao," performed by the Coro Estable de Rosario under the baton of Cristián Hernández Larguía. Early pressings were limited to approximately 300 copies, primarily distributed among choir members and their families. By 1965, Fondo Cultural was dissolved and Fonema was established, bringing Nora Raffo and Carlos Melero into the organization.

The label concentrated on classical genres, with a particular emphasis on baroque and colonial Latin American compositions. Additionally, it produced ethnographic field recordings under the Serie del Conocimiento series and released distinctive literary audio projects known as Juglaría.

The 1970s

In the late 1960s, Discos Qualiton moved its operations to Buenos Aires and broadened its repertoire. New stakeholders Curt von Simpson and Gertrudis Moser joined Fonema’s management team, securing financial backing from Banco Oddone. During this expansion period, Fonema built the advanced 24-channel studio Take One at its Buenos Aires headquarters in Monserrat. This facility featured a Solidyne mixing console and acoustics designed by Oscar Bonello.

What began as a small family business in Rosario grew considerably but encountered difficulties following the 1976 military coup led by Jorge Rafael Videla. The regime's political repression targeted cultural organizations associated with previous social upheavals. On October 22, 1976, an anonymous article appeared in La Razón newspaper accusing the label of "Marxist Penetration," which led to paramilitary assaults on Discos Qualiton’s studios at Perú 365 and attacks on board members. Numerous artists sought exile; for example, Vico Ciliberti relocated to Rome. By 1978, Discos Qualiton had ceased its activities.

Today, only a few complete collections of Discos Qualiton remain, primarily preserved in European and American libraries as well as private archives. Up until 1977, artistic direction was overseen by Ivan Cosentino—both musician and engineer—while Nelson Montes-Bradley handled publishing, production, and marketing responsibilities.

Catalogue

Drawing upon reconstructed catalogs, press coverage, and existing vinyl records, Qualiton was one of five labels issued by Fonema in Buenos Aires. Other labels under Fonema included Colección Privada, Serie del Conocimiento, Archivo Colonial de América Latina, and Juglaría. Each album carried an alphanumeric identifier corresponding to one of these labels. Some catalog sequences are incomplete, likely due to unreleased projects or unidentified content. Below is a selection of significant Qualiton LP releases:

Qualiton

QH-2002: Homenaje a Pablo Bondorevsky. Features live recordings from 1967 of Stravinsky's "Petruchka" suite, Chopin's "Scherzo No. 3", and Bach's "Partita in B major". Executive Producer Nora Raffo; produced by Fondo Cultural S.R.L; vinyl pressed by CBS Records Buenos Aires.
QH-2006: Roberto Lara, guitarra. Guitarist Roberto Lara performs pieces by Argentine composers such as Guastavino and Abel Fleury with recorder accompaniment by Eduardo A. Alemann.
QH-2008: Música para niños, Vol.1. The initial volume of four featuring diverse cultural traditions performed by Conjunto Pro-Musica de Rosario conducted by Christián Hernández Larguía.
QH-2009: Canto 4. Vocal quartet from Rosario delivering Negro spirituals and popular American songs; produced by founding member Nora Raffo.
QH-2010: Brahms: Marienlieder. Vocal compositions performed by Coro de Cámara de Córdoba under César Ferreyra’s direction.
SQH-2011: El habitante del silencio. Piano compositions created and performed by Remo Pignoni.
QH-2012: El canto de Rolando Valladares. Solo album featuring traditional Argentine folk music.
SQH-2013: Canciones para Don Quijote. Spanish songs inspired by Cervantes’ novel performed by María Gondell among others.
SQH-2014: Quinteto Huayna Sumaj. South American folk melodies arranged and directed by Luis Gentilini.
SQH-2015: Los 4 de Chile. Chilean popular music licensed from Discos Asfona of Santiago.
QH-2016: Canciones desde una prisión. Protest songs by Rolando Alarcón during Salvador Allende’s presidency; licensed from Uruguay’s Discos Hemisferio.
QH-2017: El camino hacia la muerte del Viejo Reales. Soundtrack for Gerardo Vallejos’ documentary film.
QH-2018: La fuerza del diálogo. Latin American folk songs performed by Norma Peralta and Naldo Labrín.
SQH-2019: De aquí y de ahora. Tango selections performed by Palermo Trío including classic standards and original works.
SQH-2020: Ayer me dijeron Negro by Roberto Darvin. Collection of folk-inspired songs licensed from Hemisferio Records (Uruguay).
SQH-2021: Música para niños, Vol. 2. Follow-up volume in the children’s music series conducted by Conjunto Pro-Musica de Rosario.
SQH-2022: Canción por Nicolás. Quintet Huayra Puka performing traditional Latin American repertoire.
SQH-2023: Corazón del país. Ensemble Contracanto presenting protest and folk songs.
SQH-2024: América canta, Vol.1. Compilation featuring leading Latin American artists including Rolando Alarcón and Violeta Parra.
SQH-2025: Cantar de pájaros. Trío de 4 performing traditional Latin American folk music.
SQH-2026: ¡Viva Chile, mierda!. Eleven protest songs plus one poem from Latin America licensed via Hemisferio Records.
SQH-2027: Del amor y la libertad by Taco Muñoz. Blend of protest themes with soft rock licensed from Hemisferio/Uruguay.
SQH-2028: Tawantinsuyu. Native Bolivian ensemble produced by Luis María Cosenza featuring Quechua and Spanish-language tracks.
SQH-2029: Canciones para hacer pensar a los chicos by Mirta Ciliberti. Important children’s album recorded during Discos Qualiton's final years before repression forced exile of contributors.
SQH-2030: Para el tiempo de cosecha... Quintet Huayra Puka performing traditional Argentine folk songs; produced by Luis María Cosenza.
SQH-2031: Budapest by Night Sándor Lakatos y su orquesta gitana issued under license from Hungarian Qualiton label.
SQH-2032: Homenaje (Tribute) by Conjunto Contracanto focusing on protest music from Rosario with socially conscious lyrics.
SQH-2033: El sorprendente Moog. Electronic music album licensed from Hungary’s Qualiton featuring Ben Callaghan & Co.
SQH-2034: Live recording of El cuarteto del Chivo Borraro showcasing jazz and blues performances from 1970.
SQH-2035: Música para niños, Vol.3. Third installment in children’s music series conducted by Christián Hernández Larguía.
SQH-2036: El Trío + Tango. Guitar trio performing classic tango standards accompanied vocally.
SQH-2037: Locomotiv GT. Hungarian rock group released under license agreement with Communist-era Qualiton Hungary.
SQH-2038: Criollo sudamericano. Isidro Contreras performs South American folk pieces accompanied by regional instruments.
SQH-2040: Canción para mi madre tierra. Tito Segura presents Patagonian folk music reflecting Argentine heritage.
SQH-2041: América Libre: El país de la verdad. Ensemble led by Carlos Piégari delivering politically engaged Latin American folk music produced by Luis María Cosenza.
SQH-2042 & SQH-2048:Los folkloristas. Música de América Latina Volumes 1 & 2. Traditional Latin American tunes licensed from Mexico’s Discos Pueblo performed by acclaimed ensemble Los Folkloristas.
SQH-2045 & SQH-2046:Situaciones and Canto y clarificación—rock and experimental albums released under license via Serie Melopea featuring Rodolfo Haerle and Rodolfo Alchourrón respectively; engineered at Netto Studios Buenos Aires with production support from Luis María Cosenza.

This catalogue illustrates Qualiton’s deliberate dedication to a broad spectrum of styles—from classical to protest music—as well as children’s recordings and regional folk traditions throughout Latin America. This positioning established the label as an important contributor to cultural preservation and politically engaged musical expression during its years of activity.

Choral Recordings

CM-1015 Cantares de los pajes de la Nao (1964). Performed by Coro Estable de Rosario, directed by Christián Hernández Larguía. Cover and booklet illustrations created by Mele Bruniard.
CM-1016: Música popular Argentina (1964). Presented by Coral Femenino de San Justo under the direction of Roberto Saccente. Artwork designed by Luís Seoane.
CM-1017: Gloria, Vivaldi. Featuring Coro Polifónico de San Justo accompanied by organ and chamber ensemble, conducted by Roberto Saccente. Cover art by Mario Loza.
CM-1018: Monteverdi: Lagrime d'amante al sepolcro dell´amata. Performed by Coro de Cámara del Collegium Musicum de Buenos Aires with Juan Schultis as conductor. Artwork by Víctor Rebuffo.
CM-1019: Coro Esloveno Gallus. A collection of Slovenian sacred music led by conductor Dr. Julio Savelli. The cover displays a traditional Slovenian motif.
CM-1020: Coro Femenino de la Escuela del Magisterio. Featuring German and Argentine repertoire under the baton of José Felipe Vallesi. Cover artwork by Ricardo Scilipoli.
CM-1021: Coro de Cámara de Córdoba. Includes compositions by Tomás Luis de Victoria and William Byrd, conducted by César Ferreira. Cover art created by Luis Saavedra.
CM-1022: "Coral Femenino de San Justo". Showcasing traditional and popular songs from Argentina and international origins, directed by Roberto Saccente. Artwork contributed by Isaías Nougués (h).
CM-1023: Coro de Cadetes de la Escuela Naval Militar. Features maritime and popular songs from around the world, led by Rafael Urbiztondo. Cover designed by Emilio Biggeri.
CM-1024: "Folklore musical esloveno". Performed by Coro Esloveno Gallus with Dr. Julio Savelli conducting. The cover features a classic Slovenian design.
CM-1025: Coral Femenino de San Justo. Includes works by Antonio Lotti, Alicia Terzian, and Vincent d'Indy; conducted by Roberto Saccente with Iris Fabrizzi on organ and Eduardo Calcagno on piano.
SCM-1026: Vivimos en nuestras montañas. Children's choir from Bariloche performing worldwide popular songs, recorded at Centro Atómico San Carlos de Bariloche under Luck Kralj de Jerman’s direction.
CM-1027: Coro Popular Universitario "José Luis Ramírez Urtasun". Live performances featuring composers Gabrieli, Jannequin, Guerrero, Debussy, Händel alongside folk tunes from Catalonia, USA, Galicia, Argentina, and Basque Country; supported by Fondo Nacional de las Artes; conductor José Luis Rodríguez Urtasun.
CM-1028: Pergolesi: Stabat Mater. Presented by Coro Juvenil de Haedo from Instituto Alte. Guillermo Brown; recorded in 1972 at San Carlos de Bariloche Cathedral; directed by Edgardo Aradas.
QI-4000 to QI-4009 and SQI-4010 to SQI-4079 encompass an extensive range of classical and modern compositions featuring Argentine and international creators such as Villa-Lobos, Ginastera, Guastavino, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Bartók among others; performed by distinguished ensembles and soloists including Pía Sebastiani (piano), Roberto Lara (guitar), Manuel Rego (piano), plus various choirs and orchestras from Argentina, Hungary, Chile, Romania, and beyond.
DPE-002: A special institutional series highlighting winners of the Premio Fundación Gillette for young classical guitarists Eduardo Elías Isaac and Hugo Abel Enrique; repertoire includes works by Guastavino, Bach, Tansman, Castelnuovo Tedesco; cover art crafted by Pablo Barragán.
SQI-4082: Navidad con el Pro Musica. Features twenty-one international Christmas pieces performed by Conjunto Pro Musica de Rosario under Cristián Hernández Larguía’s leadership with assistant conductor Susana Imbern.

This broad collection of choral and instrumental releases underscores Qualiton’s deliberate emphasis on a wide spectrum of musical styles—from Argentine folk traditions to European classical masterpieces—while fostering emerging talent and partnering with esteemed global ensembles to enhance its cultural recording portfolio.

Colección privada

Private Stock: Fonema S.A. introduced five recordings under the Colección Privada (Private Stock) series, aimed at a select membership initially capped at 500 participants, inspired by the concept behind the Fortune 500. This exclusivity resonated with Argentine market trends influenced by credit card clubs such as Diners Club and American Express. The emblem incorporated a key alongside the number 500, representing confidentiality for members. The plan included monthly LP releases within this collection.

CP-000: Il Mondo della luna, a two-act comic opera by Joseph Haydn, performed by the Soloists and Chamber Orchestra of München under conductor Johannes Weissenbach. Released under license from Lyrichord Discs, US. Liner notes authored by Ernesto Epstein.
CP-001: Johannes Brahms, motets Op. 29, 74, and 110 interpreted by The Whikehart Chorale conducted by Lewis E. Whikehart. Licensed through Lyrichord Discs, US. Notes provided by José Antonio Gallo.
CP-002: Alban Berg, featuring "Concerto for violin, piano and 13 wind instruments" with the Viennese Wind Ensemble led by Harold Byrns; soloists Ivry Gitlis (violin) and Charlotte Zelka (piano). Also includes "Four Songs Op. 2" and "Seven Old Songs." Published under Lyrichord Discs license. Notes by Margarita Fernández.
CP-003: John Dowland, thirteen songs centered on love and friendship for choir, vocal soloists, and lute performed by The Saltire Singers. Issued under Lyrichord Discs, US license. Notes written by Gerardo B. Huseby.
CP-005: Arnold Schoenberg, The Book of the Hanging Gardens Op. 15 featuring mezzo-soprano Belva Kibler accompanied by pianist Gerhard Albersheim. Released with permission from Lyrichord Discs, US. Notes composed by Juan Pedro Franze.

Balkanton

Fonema S.A., the parent company behind Discos Qualiton, produced three albums under the Balkanton label through licensing agreements with Balkanton, Bulgaria, and distribution managed by Planeta S.A., owned by Eduardo Eurnekian and Miguel Levy.

BCA-1422: "Sergei Prokofiev" Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 featuring soloist Stoika Milanova accompanied by the Bulgarian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vassil Stefanov. Album artwork created by Adalberto Díaz Domínguez.
BCA-1493: Johannes Brahms Violin Sonatas Nos. 1 and 2 performed by Stoika Milanova (violin) and Dora Milanova (piano). Cover art designed by Adalberto Díaz Domínguez.
BCA-1604: Traditional Russian Songs performed by the Bulgarian Choir Svetoslav Obretenov under the direction of Giorgi Robev. Cover illustrated by Adalberto Díaz Domínguez.

Juglaría

Spoken Word:: At least eleven titles (twelve LPs) were issued featuring literary works from authors such as Federico García Lorca, Dylan Thomas, Jacques Prévert, and Argentine poet Armando Tejada Gómez. The series transitioned from catalog numbers starting with "QH" to "JC" and "JQ," reflecting Fonema’s initiative to establish Juglaría as a specialized literary label overseen by producer Nelson Montes-Bradley.

Notable releases include:

QH-2000/2001: Federico García Lorca. Canciones y Poemas, comprising Spanish songs sung by Clara Esteves (soprano) with guitar accompaniment from Roberto Lara, alongside Lorca’s poetry recited by Lorenzo Varela. Packaged in a linen-covered box designed by Luís Seoane with an illustrated 28-page booklet and an original drawing by Lorca included.
QH-2003: Diego Rivera Speaking, a rare interview licensed from Caedmon Audio, USA, emphasizing Rivera’s commitment to social causes.
QH-2004/JQ-001: Poeta de la legua, a collection of poems by Armando Tejada Gómez recorded at Studio Lagos; cover design crafted by Enrique Sobisch; launched at Teatro Payró.
QH-2005: Selected poems read aloud by Hamlet Lima Quintana recorded at Instituto Bernasconi; cover artwork created by Biglione.
QH-2007: Sonopoemas del Horizonte featuring multiple poems with commentary from Armando Tejada Gómez; cover designed by J. Nougués.
JQ-002: Cantoral de mi país al Sur, poems performed by Armando Tejada Gómez accompanied on guitar by Moncho Mieres; liner notes authored by Nira Etchenique; cover design credited to Sigfredo Pastor.
JC-004: Dylan Thomas Reading, selections read in Thomas’s own voice including "A Child's Christmas in Wales," licensed from Caedmon Audio.
JC-005: Les fleurs du mal, excerpts from Baudelaire’s masterpiece narrated in French by Louis Jourdan and Eva Le Gallienne, licensed through Caedmon Audio.
JQ-007: Poetry of Luis Franco recited personally by the author covering an extensive range of his work.
JH-008: French readings of Jacques Prévert’s "Paroles" and La Fontaine’s fables performed by Phillippe Greffet, licensed from Hemisferio, Uruguay.
JQ-009: Poems from Federico García Lorca’s "Poeta en Nueva York," recited in exile in 1965 by poet Lorenzo Varela.
JA-010: Excerpts from the medieval epic Cantar de Mio Cid narrated by Roberto Parada; licensed from Asfona, Chile.
JQ-011: A compilation of texts authored by José de San Martín recited by Norberto Bianco; curated under the supervision of Luis Alberto Frontera.

Serie del Conocimiento

(Knowledge Series) World Music:

QF-3000/3005: Folklore Musical y Música Folklórica Argentina. This six-LP collection presents field recordings that explore various instruments and musical styles: #1 "Charango, Caja y Bombo"; #2 "Aerófonos del Noroeste"; #3 "Acordeón y violin"; #4 "Guitarra"; #5 "Conjuntos populares". The sixth disc, titled "Música de los aborígenes," introduces indigenous sounds from the Toba, Mataco, Chorotis, Chiriguano, and Ranquel communities. These recordings were commissioned by Fonema. Accompanying the set were explanatory booklets in Spanish, French, and English, along with 36 colored slides and a slide viewer. Fully acquired by the Fondo Nacional de las Artes, the collection was highly regarded in academic circles for its authenticity and thorough documentation. It earned the "Primer premio colección documental didáctica en el disco" at the 1967 Sexto Festival del Disco Internacional.
QF-3006: Música del Mato Grosso, Brazil. Field recordings made by Edward M. Weyer, Jr., capturing the musical expressions of Camayura, Chavante, Kayabi, Iwalipeti, and Caboclo groups. Released under license from Lyrichord Discs, USA.
QF-3008: The Indians of the Gran Chaco. Ethnographic recordings from 1975 featuring Mataco and Choroti peoples; issued in 1976 with annotations by Jorge Novati and Irma Ruiz through Qualiton’s US license via Lyrichord Discs.
QF-3009/10: Los primitivos instrumentos musicales del hombre. A two-LP set compiling 35 sounds of primitive musical instruments from Asia, Africa, America, and Europe; curated by Curt Sachs and published in 1976 under license from Lyrichord Discs.
QI-4007: Argentina indígena. Sixteen traditional pieces performed by the Toba group "Viri Nolká" from Chaco Province.
QF-3013: Música de los pigmeos de la selva del Noroeste del Congo (1976). Recordings by Colin M. Turnbull featuring the Mbuti, Lese, Bera, and Nyari peoples; released under Smithsonian Folkways license (FW04446) via Lyrichord Discs.
QF-3015/16: Documental folklórico de la Provincia de La Pampa. This collection showcases Argentine Pampas musical genres such as Danzas, Cifra, Tonada, Estilo y Milonga with commentary by Ercilia Moreno Chá; supported by La Pampa’s Dirección de Cultura.

Produced for third parties

Fonema S.A., through its "Departamento de Productos Especiales," was responsible for producing, editing, and often distributing a variety of musical projects commissioned by external organizations:

SCM-1029: Churrasco, vol.1, a compilation of Argentine folk melodies created for the German restaurant chain Churrasco. Although labeled as volume one, this release remained the only installment in the series.
SCM-1030: A reissue of LP SQI-4048 commissioned by Verezit S.A.
SCM-1031: Argentina, Lieder und Tänze, a curated selection of popular Argentine songs produced for Librerías ABC de Buenos Aires featuring German annotations and lyrics.
SCM-1032: Encuentro con el país (1973), containing eleven well-known Argentine tunes produced for Encuentro Nacional de los Argentinos (ENA), a left-wing political coalition.
SCM-1033/36: Música popular argentina, a four-LP stereo anthology of popular songs performed by various artists for Biblioteca Popular Constancio C. Vigil’s Collection 2.
SCM-1037: Navidad con los Niños y Jóvenes Cantores de Bariloche, a Christmas carol album supported by the choir’s cooperative society; directed by Lucka Kralj de Jerman.
CM-1038: Coro de Niños Cantores de Córdoba, featuring compositions by Benjamin Britten among others; produced with backing from Banco Social de Córdoba; direction and piano accompaniment by Jorge Kohout.
SCM-1039/42: Another four-LP set of popular Argentine music released for Biblioteca Popular Constancio C. Vigil’s Collection 1.
SCM-1043: A special promotional edition containing all tracks from Discos Qualiton SQI-4011 commissioned by Grefar S.A.
CM-1044: La Patagonia canta, recorded by Los Hermanos Calo highlighting Patagonian repertoire; cover artwork was an oil painting by M. Dola; issued in 1974.
SCM-1045: Fuerza Aérea Argentina, featuring military marches and popular tunes performed by the choir and bands of Escuela de Aviación Militar Cadets; conducted by César Ferreira and D. F. Pillichody.
CM-1046: Pequeña antología de música coral, a compilation of choral works performed by Coro Polifónico de Santa Fe; supported by SANCOR and Santa Fe’s Secretaría de Cultura; directed by Francisco Maragno.
A-002: Fundación Bariloche, commissioned by Fate S.A., including selections from Los solistas de la Camerata Bariloche; a 17 cm LP played at 33 RPM.
INA-3000: Coro de la Iglesia Nueva Apostólica de Buenos Aires.
QE-5000: Modelación corporal, an exercise program developed by Béla Rozemblum serving as a physical training aid.

Awards

In 1970, Discos Qualiton received the Premio America from Universidad de la República (Uruguay) in recognition of its recordings of Alberto Soriano's compositions.
Awarded First Prize for the comprehensive compilation and publication of Domenico Zipoli's complete works.
Granted a Special Mention for the project "Música en la Catedral de Lima".
Honored with the "San Francisco Solano Award" by the Unión de Compositores de la Argentina.

The artwork

Fonema's collection was distinguished not only by its exceptional audio recordings but also by its dedication to visual artistry. Each album cover showcased artwork from notable local talents, including Mele Bruniard, Battle Planas, Luis Seoane, Antonio Berni, and Mario Loza. The visual identity of Qualiton was developed by Oscar Díaz, a celebrated graphic designer responsible for creating the iconic logos for Discos Qualiton, Juglaría, and Colección Privada. The Qualiton emblem—a spiral representing a vinyl record groove intertwined with the illusion of a human eye—symbolized the integration of music and visual creativity. During Fonema's later period, Pablo Barragan became part of the team as the in-house graphic designer.

External links